Good Stress: What Are the Benefits?

Sometimes being stressed isn’t such a bad thing.

In a world where stress is often portrayed as a silent adversary, lurking in the shadows of our lives, it’s time to shed light on the other side of the coin: good stress. Contrary to popular belief, not all stress is detrimental to our well-being. Richard Shelton, MD, the Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alabama Birmingham, asserts that stress, when channeled correctly, can be a force for good. In fact, our body’s fight-or-flight response, triggered by stress, is an evolutionary mechanism designed to protect us, not harm us. Let’s delve deeper into the world of good stress, or eustress, and discover how a dash of short-term anxiety can actually be beneficial for your brain and body.

The Existence of Good Stress

Yes, it does exist: good stress, also known as eustress, is a phenomenon recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA). Eustress is characterized by a positive stress response that arises from optimal levels of stimulation. In simpler terms, it is the kind of stress that emerges when we engage in demanding yet enjoyable activities or face exciting challenges. Consider the following scenarios as examples of situations that can lead to good stress:

1. Going into Retirement
2. Starting a Family
3. Preparing for a New Job Position
4. Participating in an Athletic Event

While good stress often stems from the anticipation of something exciting, it’s not the only type of stress with potentially favorable outcomes. Its counterpart, distress, which typically comes to mind when we think of stress, can also offer benefits to our mental and physical well-being.

The Positive Side of Stress

Surprisingly, short-term stress reactions can be advantageous in several ways. Let’s explore how stress, in moderation, can actually be a boon for our minds and bodies:

1. Enhanced Brainpower: Low-level stressors stimulate the production of brain chemicals called neurotrophins and fortify the connections between neurons in the brain. This may explain why exercise, a physical stressor, is known to boost productivity and concentration. Additionally, research published in the EXCLI Journal in 2017 suggests that stress can contribute to improved memory in certain situations, such as the need to perform well in a written exam.

2. Temporary Immune Boost: When the body responds to stress, it readies itself for the possibility of injury or infection by producing extra interleukins—chemicals that assist in regulating the immune system. This can provide a temporary defensive boost, offering protection in the event of an injury or infection, as observed in an April 2018 Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology study.

3. Enhanced Resilience: Confronting and successfully managing stressful situations can cultivate resilience. This concept is exemplified in Navy SEAL training, where repeated exposure to stressful events enables individuals to develop both physical and psychological control. This newfound resilience allows them to stay composed even in the heat of combat.

4. Motivation to Succeed: Stress can serve as a powerful motivator, propelling individuals to accomplish tasks at work or meet impending deadlines. When a deadline looms, it can stimulate behavior to effectively manage the situation, enhancing productivity. The key, as Dr. Shelton highlights, is to view stressful situations as challenges that can be surmounted, rather than insurmountable roadblocks.

In essence, it’s crucial to recognize that stress, when managed and harnessed appropriately, can be a catalyst for growth and achievement. It’s only when stress spirals into chronicity or when we feel powerless in the face of it that its negative impacts begin to overshadow our health and well-being.

The Path Forward

Should you find yourself grappling with stress and struggling to manage it effectively, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider or mental health professional. They possess the expertise to help you discover stress management techniques and treatments that align with your unique needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, it’s time for us to shift our perspective on stress, viewing it not merely as a formidable adversary, but rather as a valuable ally in our relentless pursuit of success and personal development. Stress, when approached with the right mindset and equipped with effective coping strategies, can transform from a seemingly insurmountable obstacle into a dynamic force that propels us closer to our aspirations. It has the potential to fortify our resilience, ignite our creativity, and ultimately contribute to our overall well-being.

Consider, for a moment, the remarkable synergy between stress and growth. Just as a muscle must be strained to grow stronger, our abilities and capacities often flourish when subjected to the pressures of stress. It’s through these challenging moments that we uncover hidden strengths, resilience we didn’t know we possessed, and the capacity to think and act with greater clarity.

So, the next time you feel the telltale signs of stress tingling through your veins, don’t instinctively view it as an unwelcome intruder. Instead, embrace it as a catalyst for transformation and thriving. Cultivate the skills to harness stress as a driving force, channeling its energy into your pursuits and leveraging it to propel yourself closer to your goals. By doing so, you can tap into stress’s untapped potential and discover that it’s not an obstacle to be avoided, but rather a powerful tool on your journey to success and well-being.